About this episode
If you’re growing your fruit trees organically, it’s important to protect them from pests and diseases and having a fruit tree spray schedule can make that much easier. In this episode we speak to orchard consultant Mike Biltonen from Trumansburg, NY, about organic fruit tree sprays that you can use throughout the year. Mike has farmed his entire professional career. He has horticulture degrees from Virginia Tech (BS ’86) and Cornell (MS ’92), as well as over 35 years of practical farming experience. He has a passion for sustainable orcharding and helps orchardists transition from conventional to organic practices with Know Your Roots , a small holistic company he owns and operates with his wife Debbie. Watch a video excerpt from this podcast here . Read more about this interview here . Download more information about spray schedules from Mike here . Read more articles about feeding fruit trees here . The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website http://www.orchardpeople.com . Formerly known as the Urban Forestry Radio Show, from germination in January 2016 until December 2023, we have grown over the years, thanks to the collective knowledge and collaboration of our monthly guests, organizations, and audience from around the world. We offer something for everyone to support your fruit tree care journey, whether you prefer to learn through listening, watching, and/or reading. RADIO SHOW and PODCAST - FOUR WAYS TO TUNE IN Join our live show on the last Tuesday of every month at 1:00 PM ET and submit your questions and comments! Can’t make it live? No worries – catch the podcast later. Here’s how: Live Audio: Listen on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM on Tuesday Live Video: Watch live on the Orchard People YouTube Channel at 1:00 PM on Tuesday Audio Podcast: Download the podcast after the show Video Podcast: Watch the recorded video on our YouTube Podcast Playlist NEWSLETTER Do you want to learn to grow fruit trees successfully, organically, and beyond? Sign up for the free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/ PREMIUM EDUCATION For premium fruit tree care education, visit https://learn.orchardpeople.com/ if you are ready to dig deeper and further your relationship with your fruit trees. CONNECT AND GROW WITH US You can also connect with us in the various communities listed below in the footer! Let’s grow together. (00:00) - New Year's Resolutions for Fruit Tree Growers (00:51) - Introduction to Organic Fruit Tree Sprays (02:24) - The Importance of Timely Spraying (07:38) - Understanding the Dormant Season (12:36) - Effective Dormant Season Sprays (15:26) - Fire Blight: Identification and Management (19:08) - Neem Oil: Benefits and Usage (23:18) - Mixing Sprays: Best Practices (28:34) - Preparing for Blossom Time (31:29) - Flower Development Stages (32:27) - Bloom Time and Pollination (34:14) - Spraying During Bloom Period (35:08) - Fire Blight and Pest Management (39:18) - Resources and Listener Questions (51:50) - Summer Sprays and Pest Control (56:31) - Conclusion and Additional Resources